The 49ers fell short against the Chargers in the final preseason game of 2023, but these takeaways probably matter more than the final score.
For those counting, the San Francisco 49ers finished their 2023 preseason campaign with a 1-2 record following a Friday night 23-12 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium to close out the exhibition phase of the year prior to roster cut-downs and the inevitable start of the regular season in early September.
No one cares about the Niners' record and final scores, though. Fans and analysts will, however, care about the massive takeaways that'll accompany head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. with the preseason wrapped up.
San Francisco has a few of those.
Three weeks of preseason action, highlighted by the exhibition loss to the Bolts, should raise these notable questions with the regular season just around the corner.
49ers question No. 1: Was trading Trey Lance the right move?
The actual game itself was an afterthought on Friday in the wake of news the 49ers traded away quarterback Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round NFL Draft pick next year.
Cutting bait on Lance is a massive whiff for the Niners, yes, but the reality now is that they have to be comfortable with Brock Purdy under center, followed by Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen.
Allen, who is arguably the biggest victor from Lance's departure, struggled against Los Angeles and went 2-of-6 for 23 yards with an interception.
Considering San Francisco's injury history at quarterback, was parting ways with Lance the best choice?
49ers question No. 2: What to do about kickers?
it was weird to see punter Mitch Wishnowsky taking a field-goal try early in the game against the Chargers.
But, as news broke, it turns out that both of the 49ers place kickers, Jake Moody and Zane Gonzalez, were dealing with injuries. Moody didn't dress for the contest, while Gonzalez actually suffered his own leg injury at some point during the game.
This isn't too big of a deal, per se, except for worrying about Moody's injury. He's going to be the long-term solution at the position after the Niners used a third-round pick on him during last April's draft.
If he starts the year on an injury list, however, Gonzalez gets a few more weeks in a San Francisco uniform.
Provided he's healthy, of course. And no one wants to see Wishnowsky attempt field goals or extra points.
49ers question No. 3: Nickel cornerback is officially a problem
The 49ers' previous two nickel cornerbacks, K'Waun Williams and Jimmie Ward, no longer don the red and gold.
Instead, the Niners signed former Atlanta Falcons corner Isaiah Oliver as a free agent this offseason and gave him $2.91 million in guaranteed money on his two-year deal.
Oliver, however, hasn't been good at all this preseason, and his efforts versus the Chargers raised only more questions instead of providing answers.
Isaiah Oliver went from projected starter in the off-season to still playing in the 4th quarter in the final preseason game. Not good at all
— Zachary Grier (@zgrier24) August 26, 2023
San Francisco does have alternatives, though. Other defensive backs like Deommodore Lenoir, Samuel Womack, Ambry Thomas, Qwuantrezz Knight and the undrafted rookie, D'Shawn Jamison, all have a shot to fill in that spot if Oliver completely flames out.
But that wasn't the original plan at all.
49ers question No. 4: Which good players get cut?
With the preseason over, the 49ers now face the kind of decisions that 31 other teams have to face.
Roster cut-down day takes place this upcoming Tuesday, meaning the Niners have to go from their current 90-man squad down to 53 players for Week 1, and there are going to be some starting-caliber players who are ultimately let go.
Rather than going through each position, there are a few groups that'll be tougher than others.
Especially at linebacker where depth players like Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and Marcelino McCrary-Ball are fighting off rookies like Dee Winters and Jalen Graham.
Read more: Twitter reacts to 49ers trade of Trey Lance to Cowboys
Equally challenging might be San Francisco's defensive line, particularly when it comes to evaluating pass-rushers like Kerry Hyder versus Clelin Ferrell, or Austin Bryant versus Breeland Speaks.
Other challenges face an injury-plagued wide receiver crop, while the offensive line depth faces questions of its own.
At least there are a few days for Kyle Shanahan to figure all of that out, though.